Offered for sale is an authentic antique Burmese (Myanmar) hand-carved wooden marionette, from the traditional Yoke thé puppet theater.

Estimated date: late 19th to early 20th century

Origin: Burma / Myanmar

Height: approx. 15 inches (measured without strings)

This is a true string marionette, not a decorative doll. The figure is carved from lightweight wood with articulated joints, thin carved hands, and multiple original strings attached to the head and body. The head features a carved wooden face with hand-painted details and a hair tuft/topknot, typical of Burmese marionettes and used to conceal string attachment points.

The puppet shows honest age and performance wear, consistent with theatrical use. The surface retains original paint and gesso, with visible loss to the gesso at the chin area (see photos), along with scattered wear, small chips, and paint loss elsewhere. No repainting has been done. This wear is consistent with age and use and has been left untouched.

The strings appear old; no attempt has been made to restring, clean, or restore the puppet. No controller or costume is included.

This piece compares closely to museum-held Burmese Yoke thé marionettes and is best described as a non-royal or attendant character, which typically exhibit simpler paint and construction than court figures.

Condition

• Antique condition

• Gesso loss to chin and other areas

• Additional surface wear, paint loss, and age-related marks throughout

• Joints move freely

• Strings present (not tested or adjusted)

• No modern repairs noted

Similar Burmese marionettes are widely found on the market; this example appears to be an earlier, hand-carved performance puppet rather than a later decorative or tourist piece.

Important

Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description. This is a genuine antique performance object, not a reproduction.

The case is not included. It is too large and has a plastic window. There are three plastic rings at the top of the case that will be retied after removal. Thanks for looking.